Sumatra

Sumatra - is an island using a wealth of natural resources and wildlife, massive rivers like muddy facsimiles of the Amazon, and some interesting architecture. It is virtually four times the size of neighbouring Java, but supports a smaller amount than a quarter from the population. During Dutch rule, it provided the globe with big quantities of oil, rubber, pepper and coffee, and these seemingly inexhaustible resources continue to prop up the Indonesian economy today. Sumatra is house to a number of differing races and people: the former head-hunters and cannibals of the Batak regions; the matrilineal Muslim Minangkabau and also the primitive groups from the Mentawai Islands.

Attractions:

Medan - (population 1.5 million) is the capital of north Sumatra and the third largest city in Indonesia. It is a huge, sprawling city and also a well-known entry/exit issue for travellers. The solid Dutch buildings of the affluent older suburbs inspire images of bloated bureaucrats and burghers inside colonial era, though jerry-built lean-tos home the bulk of its population.

Berastagi - This picturesque hill town in the Karo Highlands, 70 km from Medan, is dominated by a couple of volcanoes: Gunung Sinabung and Gunung Sibayak. At 1300 metres over sea level, the climate is pleasantly cool and the atmosphere refreshingly relaxed. Travellers arrive to Berastagi to experience the culture in the Karo Batak men and women and to go trekking. You'll find guided treks to the Gunung Leuser National Park and to surrounding volcanoes and attractions.

Bukittinggi - This easy-going mountain town has lengthy been 1 of Sumatra's most well-liked tourist destinations. Numerous travellers heading north make Bukittinggi their first stop. The town is sometimes known as Kota Jam Gadang (the 'Big Clock Town'), following its very best identified landmark - the Minangkabau-style clock tower - that overlooks the industry square. A Dutch stronghold during the Padri rebellion (1821-37), Bukittinggi is often a centre for Minangkabau culture. It has a small university and is surrounded by 3 mountains: Merapi, Singgalang and Sago.

Lake Toba - is one more on the island's spectacular sights - a remarkable volcanic crater set from the middle of northern Sumatra, 176 km from Medan. The lake is huge (the largest in South-East Asia), occupying the caldera of a giant volcano that collapsed on itself after a massive eruption some 100,000 many years ago. In comparison, Krakatau's 1883 work was tiny over a belch. The lake is surrounded by steep mountains, ridges and sandy, pine-sheltered beaches.

Samosir, the wedge-shaped island from the middle in the lake, is concept to have been made by subsequent upheavals between 30,000 and 75,000 many years ago. Samosir has extended been northern Sumatra's premier attraction for travellers and has an abundant supply of accommodation and eateries ringing the shoreline. The primary town during the area is Parapat, on a eastern shore of Lake Toba.

Aceh - Few travellers make it to Sumatra's northernmost province. A pity, mainly because it's a relaxed and friendly location having a rich history. Aceh's population is often a melding of Indonesian, Arab, Tamil, Chinese and indigenous groups and, curiously, some of the tallest individuals in Indonesia live here. The land stands out as the most staunchly Muslim inside country and is run under Islamic law. However, the Achenese also embrace animism, and offerings and rituals continue to play an important part in their lives.

Getting There & Away - You can fly from Jakarta to a number of places in Sumatra, and from Singapore, Penang and Kuala Lumpur to Medan. You'll find ships/ferries among Java and a number of ports in Sumatra. The Merak-Bakauheni ferry is probably the most popular, but you can also go from Padang to Jakarta. You can find also ferries between Penang and Medan; Melaka and Dumai; and Singapore and Pakanburi via the Indonesian island of Tanjung Pinang.